Pets Killed, Four People Injured In Fairhaven Fire

Four people were injured and some pets were killed after a fire in Fairhaven Monday night.

Firefighter Wayne Oliveira says that at around 10:30 p.m. a 9-1-1 call was received regarding a two alarm house fire at 17 Nancy St.

Upon arrival crews found the fire on the first floor rapidly extending to the attic of the single family home.

Crews spent two hours fighting the fire and additional two hours checking for hot spots.

Two residents were able to escape the home with injuries.

The home's owner, identified as William Ashworth, sustained second degree burns to his hands and legs and was transported to Rhode Island Hospital.

His wife, Donna Ashworth was taken to St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford for treatment.

Both are listed in stable condition.

Two firefighters injured battling the fire were treated at the scene and released.

A dog and a cat were also saved, but another dog and a cat were killed in the blaze along with 30 racing pigeons.

The home has been deemed a total loss sustaining over $350,000 in damage.

Oliveira says preliminary findings indicate that the fire started in the basement when the homeowner was transferring propane from one tank to another and the propane flashed, igniting the structure.